Levite Ministers of Music-part 1

Levite Ministers of Music-part 1

Although we do not know all the significance of the order and organization imposed on the Levite musicians, we do know from scripture that they were accustomed to a high degree of organization.  6:32-48 tells us of some of that organization when it states in verse thirty-two, "And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem:  and they waited on their office according to their order (misphat 4941)."  Misphat means a formal decree giving this statement the import that their placement was of importance to the program of organization.

            Verses thirty-three to forty-four of I Chronicles chapter 6 tell us that Heman the singer stood in the middle and Asaph stood on his right side and Ethan on his left.  Evidently they stood in their respective positions with their sons or brethren (vs. 33 and 44).  We are not informed as to why they stood in this order, but it was important enough for the chronicler to record.

            I Chronicles 16:5 also explains the order and chain of command of the Levite musicians.  "Asaph the chief (7218), and next (mishneh 4932) to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom:  and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals."  This example show their rank.  Asaph was chief and the rest were "next" or Mishna which means of the second rank.  Note that this organization specified that the Levites of second rank would play melodic musical instruments and that Asaph the conductor would sound or direct with the cymbals.